Collapsible frame for a baby carriage

ABSTRACT

A baby carriage frame is collapsible from an open position to a closed position. The frame is formed of a forward frame section and a rearward frame section pivotally interconnected by a support section and with a hand rail section pivotally secured to the forward frame section and articulated to the rearward frame section by a connector member. The connector member includes a locking notch into which a locking member mounted on the support section is engaged in the open position. With the locking member disengaged the various frame sections pivot relative to one another into a compact arrangement.

United States Patent- [72] Inventors Tokuzoh Toda;

lsao Niino, Tokyo, Japan [21] Appl. No. 785,550 [22] Filed Dec. 20, 1968 [45] Patented Feb. 9, 1971 [73] Assignee Suzuki Baby Company Limited Tokyo, Japan [32] Priority Dec. 23, 1967 l J p [31 42/82316 [54] COLLAPSIBLE FRAME FOR A BABY CARRIAGE 6 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

[52] 11.8. CI 280/41 [51] Int. Cl B62b 11/00 [50] Field of Search 280/36, 38, 41

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,982,562 5/1961 Gladstein 280/36 3,061,328 10/1962 Konarmn. 280/36 3,075,783 1/1963 Flam 280/36 3,365,210 l/1968 Patterson 280/36 3,443,823 5/1969 Perego 280/36 Primary ExaminerLe0 Friaglia Assistant ExaminerRobert R. Song AttorneyMcG1ew and Toren ABSTRACT: A baby carriage frame is collapsible from an COLLAPSIBLE FRAME FOR A BABY CARRIAGE SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a frame for a baby carriage and, more particularly, it is concerned with a frame construction comprising a plurality of parts pivotally interconnected to afford a compact arrangement for storage purposes.

In baby carriages, particularly of the type referred to as strollers, it is especially advantageous to provide a construction which is collapsible for storage and one which can be easily changed between the open and the collapsed or closed position.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a frame for a baby carriage which is easily converted between its opened and closed positions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple locking arrangement for securing the frame in the open position and for easily releasing a locking member for collapsing the frame into its closed position.

Yet another object of the invention is to pivotally interconnect the various sections of the baby carriage frame for simple and efiective relative movement between the sections of the frame.

Still another object of the invention is to afford a handle section which is pivotally secured to the forward frame section and which is simply folded over in a compact arrangement when the frame is collapsed into its closed position.

Moreover, another object of the invention is to provide a connector member which pivotally interconnects different parts of the frame and also acts as a part of the locking arrangement for securing the frame in its open position.

A further object of the invention is to shape the various parts of the frame for structural strength in the open position and for convenient nesting of the parts in the collapsed or closed position.

Therefore, the present invention provides a frame construction made up of a plurality of pivotally interconnected sections which can be locked into a relatively rigid open position. The frame comprises a forward frame section and a rearward frame section each extending generally upwardly in the open position and interconnected by a support section arranged in a generally horizontal position. The support section is pivotally attached to the forward frame section at a position closely spaced above its lower end and is articulated to the rearward frame section at a point spaced intermediate its upper and lower ends. Above the support section a horizontally arranged handrail section is pivotally attached to the forward frame section and at its rearward end it is bent downwardly and is secured at its end into a connector plate member rigidly secured to the upper end of the rearward frame section.

When the frame is in the open position a locking member secured to the support section extends upwardly and is engaged within a notch in the connector plate member for holding the various sections of the frame in place. The locking member is biased into engagement within the notch by virtue of a spring means also mounted on the support section. By displacing the locking member from the notch the frame can be folded into its closed position.

The forward frame section is comprised of a lower part to which the support section and handrail section are pivotally secured and an upper or handle part which forms a continuation of the lower part in the open position. In the open position a ring clamp secures the handle part in position relative to the lower part and by disengaging the clamp ring the handle part can be folded over onto the lower part for a compact storage arrangement.

In the open position a seat back member is supported by the connector plate means and when the frame is collapsed into its closed position the seat back member folds over forwardly into a location positioned above the support section.

Wheels are mounted on the lower ends of the forward and rearward frame sections in such a manner that they provide no interference or obstruction when the frame is folded into the closed position. Hanger members are attached to the lower rearward part of the support section and they support a removable basket below the seat back member in the open position. Further, a shade cover is movably mounted on the handle part of the front frame section and can be selectively positioned for effectively shading a child riding in the carriage.

The connector plate members secured to the opposite sides of the rearward frame section are bent to provide a C-shaped portion into which the rearward frame section is rigidly secured and the rear end of thehandrail section is pivotally attached. In the open position the C-shaped portion supports the handrail section and holds it in a locked position, while in the folded or closed position the handrail section is pivoted forwardly out of supported engagement within the C-shaped section.

By constructing the support section of the frame as a closed rectangular member and by properly shaping and interconnecting the remaining sections ofthe frame a sturdy frame construction is provided for a baby carriage in its open position and ease in foldability and compactness in storage are provided for the carriage when the frame is converted into its folded or closed position.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: FIG. I is a side view of a collapsible frame for a baby carriage embodying the present invention showing the open position of the frame in solid lines and showing in dotted lines the relative disposition of the various sections of the frame in the closed position;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the baby carriage frame shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the baby carriage frame shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of the baby carriage frame shown in FIG. I in the closed or collapsed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. I, a frame A for a baby carriage is shown in full lines in the opened position and the dot-dash lines and arrows show the relative movement of the various sections of the frame when it is collapsed into the closed position. The frame is composed of a forward frame section 1, a handrail section 2, a pair of connector plate members 3 for interconnecting the handrail section 2 and a rearward frame section 5. Positioned below the handrail section 2 is a support section 6 which extends between the forward and rearward frame sections 1 and 5.

The forward frame section consists of two tubular members spaced on opposite sides of the frame A. Secured to and forming an extension of the fonavard frame section I is a handle section 9 having a U-shaped arrangement with the handle 9a located at its upper bight portion and the handle or pusher section 9 being pivotally attached to the upper end of the forward frame section I at the pivot pins b. In the open position a ring clamp 10 secures the handle section 9 to the upper end of the forward frame section I, note FIGS. 1 and 2. Slidably mounted on the handle section 9 are connection members 9b which support a shade cover 9c arranged to extend over the seat portion of the carriage. The shade cover can be movably positioned for shading a child riding in the carriage.

In the open position the handrail section 2, which is U- shaped, is articulated to the forward frame section I about the pivot pins a. As shown in FIG. 1, the forward part of the handrail section is in a horizontal plane extending both forwardly and rearwardly from the forward frame section I, however, at its rear end the handrail section is bent downwardly at an oblique angle to the horizontal and is pivotally connected to the connector plate members 3 about the pivot pins d. The transverse or bight portion of the handrail section forms an enclosing rail across the front of the frame.

Each of the connector plate members 3 is bent along one edge to provide a C-shaped section 3a into which the handrail section 2 is secured about the pivot pin d and into which the upper end of the rearward frame section 5 is rigidly pin connected. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the support section 6 of the frame is positioned interiorly of the rearward frame section 5. Accordingly, the C-shaped section 311 of each of the connector plate members extends outwardly and the remainder of the plate member extends along the inner side of the rearward frame section 5. The portion of the connector plate member 3 extending from the C-shaped section 3a has an arcuate or semicircular periphery into which a groove or notch 4 is cut.

In the open position of the frame, see FIG. 1, the notch 4 in the periphery of the. connector plate member 3 faces forwardly and a locking member 7 is secured into the notch. The locking member 7 is formed by a rod which is secured at its lower end within the support member 6 and extends upwardly toward the connector plate member and its upper end is bent for engagement into the notch 4. A spring 8 is anchored at one end to a projection 17 extending upwardly from the support section 6 and the other end of the spring biases the locking member 7 in the rearward direction to assure that it remains within the notch 4 while the frame is in the open position. When viewed from below, as in FIG. 3, the closed rectangular shape of the support section 6 can be noted. The front end of the support section 6 forms a stool or foot support 11 extending transversely of the frame. The forward portions of the side members of the support section extending rearwardly from the foot support 11 have a generally V-shaped configuration with one leg extending downwardly from the foot support section II to a point behind the pivot pin and then the side members reverse direction and extend upwardly to a point located vertieally above the foot support 11. From the rearward end of the V-shaped parts of the side members, the support section 6 extends horizontally and is secured to the rearward frame section about pivot pins e. The pivot connections between the support section and the rearward frame section are located roughly midway between the ends of the rearward frame section and also intermediate the ends of the horizontally extending part of the support section.

At the lower end of the forward frame section 1, below the point of pivotal connection to the support section 6, a pair of front wheels 12 are located. Similarly, a pair of back wheels 14 are spring biased on the lower ends of the rearward frame section 5.

Mounted between the connector plate members 3 on the opposite sides of the frame is a seat back member 13 which can be moved between an open position, shown in FIG. 1, and a closed position, shown in FIG. 4, where the seat back member is rotated forwardly about an axis extending between the connector plate members.

Inverted U-shaped members 15 are secured, as by nuts, to the opposite horizontally extending side members of the support section 6. A basket 16 is removably mounted on the members 15 and is located at the rearward portion of the carriage frame below the open position of the seat back member 13.

When the frame is to be moved or collapsed from the open position of FIG. 1 into the closed position of FIG. 4, initially the clamp ring 10 is disengaged and the handle section 9 is folded over upon the forward frame section 1 at the lower end of the frame. It can be noted that in the open position the upper end of the handle section extends horizontally so that when folded over about the pivot pins b the handle 9a of the handle section 9 is closely spaced above and lies in parallel relationship with the foot support 11 of the support section 6.

Next, by releasing lever 19 from element 20 the seat back,

member 13 is swung forwardly passing through the opening formed by the handrail section and the forward frame section and comes to rest in a plane located above the support section 6. Though not shown in the drawing, the shade cover 9c can be suitably positioned to afford a compact storage arrangement when the handle section of the frame A is folded over upon the forward frame section I. The shade cover 9c can be pivoted as a unit about the pivot members 21 mounted on the connection members 9b. Further, the front and rear sections of the shade can be pivoted about the pivot members 22 to provide any degree of inclination required.

With the locking mcmber 7 biased into position in the notch 4 of the connector plate member 3, the frame is held securely in the open position and it is necessary to release the locking member 7 from the notch to fold the frame sections into the closed position. If necessary, a lever can be arranged forreleasing the locking member from the notch in the connector plate member. With the locking member disengaged from the notch the lower end of the rearward frame section 5 is pivoted in the direction of the arrow, see FIG. 1, forwardly and upwardly about the pivot pins e and at the same time the forward end of the handrail section 2 is pivoted downwardly rotating about the pivot pins a. During the collapsing action the support section 6 also pivots, as shown by the arrows at its opposite ends, with its forward end rotating downwardly and its rearward end rotating upwardly into the arrangement shown in dot-dash lines in FIG. 1. In the collapsed position, indicated by FIG. 4, the wheels 14 are displaced forwardly toward the wheels 12 and the lower rearward end of the handrail section has pivoted about the pins d into a position lying in a plane arranged at a slight angle to the plane in which the forward frame section 1 lies.

As an alternative in collapsing the frame the handle section 9 may be kept in the extended position with the ring clamp 10 securing it to the upper end of the forward frame section I and the remaining sections of the frame collapsed into the position as shown in FIG. 4. In such an arrangement the handle section 9 can be employed as a means for supporting the carriage against a wall.

When the frame is unfolded from the closed to the open position, the handrail section 2 is interconnected with the rearward frame, section 5 by means of the connector plate members 3 and then the frame is secured in the open position by engaging the locking members 7, into the notches 4 in the plate members 3. Because of the simple manner and brief time required for opening and closing the frame of the carriage an improvement over conventional carriages of this type is attained. Further, because of the manner in which the handrail section and the rearward frame section are pivotally connected by means of the connector plate members a more compact arrangement is achieved and only a relatively small space is necessary for storage purposes.

Iclaim:

l. A collapsible frame for a baby carriage having a front end and a rear end and being foldable between an open position and a closed position, the frame comprising, in the open position, a forward frame section extending generally upwardly and rearwardly from the front end of the frame, a pair of front wheels attached to the lower end of said forward frame section, a support section pivotally secured to the lower part of said forward frame section above the point of attachment of said front wheels to said forward frame section and extending rearwardly therefrom in a generally horizontal position with the front and rear ends thereof each disposed in a horizontal wardly from the rear end of the frame and pivotally secured tothe rearward part of said support section at a position intermediate its upper and lower ends, a pair of rear wheels attached to the lower end of said rearward frame section vcrti eally below the location at which said rearward frame section is secured to said support section, connector means rigidly secured to the upper end of said rearward frame section, the rearward end of said handrail section pivotally attached to said connector means, and a locking member secured on said support section and extending upwardly therefrom for engagement with said connector means in the open position of the frame, whereby in folding the frame into the closed position said locking member is disengaged from said connector means, said handrail section is pivoted downwardly toward said forward frame section, said support section and said forward frame section are pivoted toward one another and the lower end of said rearward frame section is pivoted toward said support section so that said rear wheels are displaced forwardly toward said front wheels.

2. A collapsible frame, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said connector means comprising a pair of plate members each bent along one edge into a C-shaped section and the C-shaped sections of said plate members rigidly secured to said rearward frame section, portion of said plate members extending from said C-shaped sections thereof extending toward the front end of the frame from said rearward frame section, a notch formed in the periphery of the portion of said plate members extending from said C-shaped sections, said notch arranged to receive said locking member, and said locking member comprising a rod member secured to said support section and extending upwardly therefrom for engagement within the notch in said plate member.

3. A collapsible frame, as set forth in claim2, wherein a spring member being secured to said support section for biasing said locking member into engagement with in the notch in said plate member in the open position of said frame.

4, A collapsible frame, as set forth in claim 1, wherein a seat back member articulated to said connector means, and means for locking said seat back member in the open position so that when said locking means are released said seat back member is foldable from a generally upwardly extending position in the open position to a generally horizontally extending position in the closed position.

5. A collapsible frame, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said support section being rectangular in shape with its front end and rear end being connected by a pair of oppositely spaced side portions, the front end of said support section being located forwardly of the lower end of said forward frame section and forming a foot support, the side portions of said support section located adjacent the front end thereof having a generally V-shaped configuration and the side portions of said support section adjoining said rear end thereof being rectilinearly arranged in a horizontal plane and spaced below said connector means, hanger means secured to and extending downwardly from the horizontally arranged side portions of said support section adjoining said rear end thereof, and a basket removably mounted on said hangers.

6. A collapsible frame, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said forward frame section comprising lower part secured to said support section and an upper handle part secured to and extending upwardly from the upper end of said lower part in the open position, said support section and handrail section being pivotally attached to said lower part of said forward frame section, means for maintaining said lower part and said upper handle part in extended relationship in the open position, and a shade cover pivotally mounted on said handle part and disposed in a generally horizontal position, said shade cover movably positionable on said handle part, and said shade cover having a front section and a rear section pivotally secured together for pivotal movement of one relative to the other. 

1. A collapsible frame for a baby carriage having a front end and a rear end and being foldable between an open position and a closed position, the frame comprising, in the open position, a forward frame section extending generally upwardly and rearwardly from the front end of the frame, a pair of front wheels attached to the lower end of said forward frame section, a support section pivotally secured to the lower part of said forward frame section above the point of attachment of said front wheels to said forward frame section and extending rearwardly therefrom in a generally horizontal position with the front and rear ends thereof each disposed in a horizontal plane and with the front end located vertically below the rear end, a handrail section disposed in a generally horizontal position and pivotally secured to said forward frame section at a location spaced upwardly from the location where said support section is secured to said forward frame section, a rearward frame section extending generally upwardly and forwardly from the rear end of the frame and pivotally secured to the rearward part of said support section at a position intermediate its upper and lower ends, a pair of rear wheels attached to the lower end of said rearward frame section vertically below the location at which said rearward frame section is secured to said support section, connector means rigidly secured to the upper end of said rearward frame section, the rearward end of said handrail section pivotally attached to said connector means, and a locking member secured on said support section and extending upwardly therefrom for engagement with said connector means in the open position of the frame, whereby in folding the frame into the closed position said locking member is disengaged from said connector means, said handrail section is pivoted downwardly toward said forward frame section, said support section and said forward frame section are pivoted toward one another and the lower end of said rearward frame section is pivoted toward said support section so that said rear wheels are displaced forwardly toward said front wheels.
 2. A collapsible frame, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said connector means comprising a pair of plate members each bent along one edge into a C-shaped section and the C-shaped sections of said plate members rigidly secured to said rearward frame section, portion of said plate members extending from said C-shaped sections thereof extending toward the front end of the frame from said rearward frame section, a notch formed in the periphery of the portion of said plate members extending from said C-shaped sections, said notch arranged to receive said locking member, and said locking member comprising a rod member secured to said support section and extending upwardly therefrom for engagement within the notch in said plate member.
 3. A collapsible frame, as set forth in claim 2, wherein a spring member being secured to said support section for biasing said locking member into engagement with in the notch in said plate member in the open position of said frame.
 4. A collapsible frame, as set forth in claim 1, wherein a seat back member articulated to said connector means, and means for locking said seat back member in the open position so that when said locking means are released said seat back member is foldable from a generally upwardly extending position in the open position to a generally horizontally extending positIon in the closed position.
 5. A collapsible frame, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said support section being rectangular in shape with its front end and rear end being connected by a pair of oppositely spaced side portions, the front end of said support section being located forwardly of the lower end of said forward frame section and forming a foot support, the side portions of said support section located adjacent the front end thereof having a generally V-shaped configuration and the side portions of said support section adjoining said rear end thereof being rectilinearly arranged in a horizontal plane and spaced below said connector means, hanger means secured to and extending downwardly from the horizontally arranged side portions of said support section adjoining said rear end thereof, and a basket removably mounted on said hangers.
 6. A collapsible frame, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said forward frame section comprising lower part secured to said support section and an upper handle part secured to and extending upwardly from the upper end of said lower part in the open position, said support section and handrail section being pivotally attached to said lower part of said forward frame section, means for maintaining said lower part and said upper handle part in extended relationship in the open position, and a shade cover pivotally mounted on said handle part and disposed in a generally horizontal position, said shade cover movably positionable on said handle part, and said shade cover having a front section and a rear section pivotally secured together for pivotal movement of one relative to the other. 